Paulos
Active Member
- Joined
- May 7, 2018
- Messages
- 479
- Reaction score
- 210
- Points
- 43
- Location
- North Carolina
- Vehicle Year
- 1987 STX
- Make / Model
- Ranger
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
The last couple of days I've been thinking about actually doing the electric fan mod on my Ranger, but I wanted to get some opinions on a couple issues I haven't been able to figure out yet. I've kept an eye on this 2.9 forum for a while now, so I know I'll probably get a variety of answers . And putting in a 4.0 is not an option (even though I'm already using the radiator and hoses for one).
A year or so ago I read about using an Volvo electric cooling fan to replace the stock fan/fan clutch/fan shroud on the 2.9. I bought two slightly different Volvo fans with the wiring harness' (the price was right), a couple spare relay assemblies, high/low BMW temperature switches (both the 80/88C and 91/99C), a 30A circuit breaker, new upper and lower radiator hoses, etc.
The main issue is where to put the temp switch. I have read that most people put it in the upper/inlet hose, and some in the lower/outlet hose. When I was looking for Volvo fans and temp switches at the local Pick-a-part, I noticed that the BMW radiators (that the switches are made for) had the temp switch mounted towards the top of the outlet side of the radiator, which made more sense to me than installing it in either hose. I figure that the switch controls the cooling fan, which cools the coolant in the radiator; so it makes sense that installing the switch in either hose would not turn on/off the cooling fan at the proper time. The 4.0 radiator has a flat spot in the plastic tank on the outlet side where a bung for the temp switch can be added, but that would make it necessary to take the radiator to a shop to see if they can remove the tank to install the bung. A lot of hassle and expense.
So, has anyone done the radiator fan mod to their 2.9, and if so, where did you put the switch? Which temperature combination of switch and thermostat did you use? And most important of all, does the fan cool the coolant in the radiator efficiently (running long enough to properly cool it, but not running when it shouldn't be). Or if you haven't done it, just let me know what you think. And again, no 4.0 . But a 302 would be nice.
A year or so ago I read about using an Volvo electric cooling fan to replace the stock fan/fan clutch/fan shroud on the 2.9. I bought two slightly different Volvo fans with the wiring harness' (the price was right), a couple spare relay assemblies, high/low BMW temperature switches (both the 80/88C and 91/99C), a 30A circuit breaker, new upper and lower radiator hoses, etc.
The main issue is where to put the temp switch. I have read that most people put it in the upper/inlet hose, and some in the lower/outlet hose. When I was looking for Volvo fans and temp switches at the local Pick-a-part, I noticed that the BMW radiators (that the switches are made for) had the temp switch mounted towards the top of the outlet side of the radiator, which made more sense to me than installing it in either hose. I figure that the switch controls the cooling fan, which cools the coolant in the radiator; so it makes sense that installing the switch in either hose would not turn on/off the cooling fan at the proper time. The 4.0 radiator has a flat spot in the plastic tank on the outlet side where a bung for the temp switch can be added, but that would make it necessary to take the radiator to a shop to see if they can remove the tank to install the bung. A lot of hassle and expense.
So, has anyone done the radiator fan mod to their 2.9, and if so, where did you put the switch? Which temperature combination of switch and thermostat did you use? And most important of all, does the fan cool the coolant in the radiator efficiently (running long enough to properly cool it, but not running when it shouldn't be). Or if you haven't done it, just let me know what you think. And again, no 4.0 . But a 302 would be nice.